“To the Bulgarian Folklore with Love”

 In 1995, for her choreographic and research work, Iliana began collaborating with Lyuben Dossev, a highly respected composer and kaval player. Iliana and Lyuben have taught dances and music together on many tours abroad. Their research has resulted in a series of dance and music materials entitled "To the Bulgarian Folklore With Love", which includes 10 music albums: IBLD 1 and 2 are audiotapes, IBLD 3 and 4 are kaval teaching audiotapes, and IBLD 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are CDs. The recordings feature Lyuben's musical arrangements and his kaval playing, with Iliana’s singing. For each of the 10 albums, Iliana and Lyuben created a book with music notation, dance descriptions, and songs (with English translations). The last two books are also available in Japanese and Chinese versions. Iliana and Lyuben have also recorded six dance teaching videotapes and two kaval teaching videotapes, all with the instructions in English.

    These music and dance materials were researched at folk festivals in Koprivshtitsa, Predela, Rozhen, Dorkovo, Tsigov chark, Petrova niva, and in villages in North Bulgaria, the Rhodopi Mountains, and South Thrace. The materials serve as teaching aides when Iliana and Lyuben travel around the world, sharing their love of the very rich Bulgarian folkore.